On a summer night at the legendary Rucker Park in New York City, Cooper Flagg delivered a performance that left basketball fans and scouts in awe. With national talent on display at the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5, Flagg’s clutch plays and athleticism helped define an unforgettable game.
Electrifying Night at Rucker Park: Cooper Flagg’s Heroics Shine
Team Dylan, led by standouts Ace Bailey and Flagg, battled Team Ian in a high-scoring contest that ended 162-153 in overtime. Bailey poured in 40 points for Team Dylan, but it was Flagg’s dramatic step-back three-pointer at the end of regulation that sent the game into overtime, electrifying the crowd.
When @Cooper_Flagg SHUT DOWN Rucker Park 💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/r3HVw7k4nL
— NBA Future Starts Now (@nbafuturenow) June 9, 2025
Flagg sparked a 10-0 run early in overtime by driving the baseline and slamming down a dunk to give Team Ian the lead for good. The game was a visual spectacle, packed with highlight-reel dunks, fire-from-anywhere threes, and furious pace, with local star Ian Jackson leading all scorers with 45 points.
The energy was electric, with fans standing around the storied court, flashes of camera bulbs, and every play greeted with roars of approval.
Fans flooded social media with excitement after Flagg’s Rucker Park highlights went viral. One fan boldly predicted, “He is about to take over the NBA look out KingJames,” signaling belief that Flagg could soon challenge even LeBron James for league supremacy.
Others compared Flagg to NBA stars, with one commenter saying, “He reminds me of Kevin Durant, Brandon Ingram, rookie Giannis, or even Bruno Caboclo.” This highlights how Flagg’s versatile skill set and physical tools already resemble some of the game’s most dynamic forwards.
Some fans also pointed out the nature of the exhibition, with one remarking, “Can already see he’s ready for the NBA, no defense.” While the game was high-scoring and light on defense, the consensus was clear—Flagg’s talent and poise have him poised for NBA stardom.
Flagg is an additional attraction to his prospects with the performance he showed at the Rucker Park which has already created. Known by everyone as one of the best potential NBA players, Flagg has been seen as the new Kevin Durant due to his height, skill, and defending abilities.
KEEP READING: Cooper Flagg Hits NYC in Bold New Balance Campaign Ahead of NBA Draft
Scouts praise his court vision, shooting touch, and competitive edge, making him the projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
In college, Flagg kept wowing the crowd, repeatedly showing his mettle with handsome performances against outstanding competitors.
Flagg’s name will likely be called first in the draft later this month by the Dallas Mavericks, hoping he can change the franchise’s fate next season.
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